The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1887-07-21
"A DAISY.
An Incident of tho Ranch on the
Divide.

The ranch was not large, nor particularly
noticeable, as ranches go, but its situation
was splendid. The road from the valley Of
the Platte to that Of La Fontaine Oui bou.
HE crossed the Divide, or ridge, and, jus,
overit and sheltered by 1t from the north.
ern winds, were the ranch-house, sheds
ana corrals. At the west, one saw the foot
nills and giimpses of the great peaks be-
nind them; and, not far from the house
opened canyon between whose steep and
veruure-clad walls ran clear and rapid
stream, chafing in its restricted channel.
and seeming impatient to bestow the largest
OF It's benefcent and priceless waters upon
the arid plains stretching far to the cast
ward. Looking TO the south again one saw
the rolling country rising at intervals into
mesas and dotted with scanty groves OF
trees
yne sun had passed beyond the range
hbove which rose wealth of clouds OF airy
texture and gorgeous colors; and the edge
OF the shadow in which the ranch lay could
be seen creeping steadily over the buffalo
grass toward the eastern horizon. Con-
verging toward the house came parties
from the four points of the compass; and,
awaiting them, and standing on the door
step, looking first in one direction and then
IN another, was quaint and curious youth.
fulspecimen Of that alien race which has
had so sorry reception on our shores, the
Chinese.
His sharp, almond-shaped eyes caught a
glimpse OF the great flock Of sheep the mo.
ment they surmounted the slight elevation
over which he had often seen the sun rise;
and, with the two watchful Mexican herd
ers behind them, they came straight to-
n urn TOR he
saw Uncle Jim Boyle, as he tramped slowly
and deliberately down the sloping side Of
the nearest mesa at the south, and even
caught the smoke of his pipe rising in the
clear air All Fong knew that Uncle Jim
had promised TO sleep at the ranch while its
master was absent and, having a profound
respect for the strength and prowess of
this redoubtable frontiersman, he thought
the arrangement excellent. Then he saw
the pretty bit of color which Fanny Car
rolls dress made against the dark back |
ground OF the CANYON wall, as she climbed |
over the rock ut its mouth: and the tassels |
OF silver thread on the cord around the
crown OF young Sam Ruxton's sombrero as |
ne assiduously helped her, holding her little |
hand perhaps somewhat longer than was |
necessary. This made something as near |
mic show itself on All Fong's face as was |
ever seen on those emotionless features.
When, however, the Chinese boy again |
walked to the rear OF the house and CHANGED |
to look to the northward, he stopped and |
gazed intently at two men who were com. |
ing over the ridge. He stood perfectly |
still for some time and then, making his |
way quietly toward rude out-building,
concealed himself therein.
Farther and farther crept the line OF |
shadow to the eastward nearer and nearer
the ranch came the different parties. At
last the herders shut the bars OF the corral
behind the last Of the bleating sheep, and.
unslinging their canteens, began pumping
water for their charges. Uncle jim Bowie |
mounted the steps Of the rude piazza with
o firm and heavy tread, and the two young
people-she swinging her large straw hat
by its ribbons, and he walking decorously at
her side-came round the corner Of the
shed.
Every body on the Divide took an earnest
interest in Fanny Carroll When her
father, old Tom Carroll, up at Georgetown,
made his great strike, and sold GU. 10 the
Eager "tender-feet," there was general
sentiment OF satisfaction; for Tom had
worked faithfully, and had plenty of hard
luck and was good fellow through It all
When, too, he came into possession Of a
folid bank account, he behaved particularly
well; declined TO be "interviewed,n bought
no diamond pins, extended liberal help to
some old 'spards' whose luck had deserted
them, and, as the boys expressedit, want
stuck up and didn't go back ON 'em."
Miss Fanny was sent TO an Eastern sem
mary, whence she had returned as accom-
plished and pretty and refined and well
dressed as heart could desire When she
came down to the Divide 70 make visit at
the ranch, it was unanimously decided by
the population OF that region that she ''just
everlastjngly laid over'' any thing from the
D. Z. down to New Mexico. She was in
Iced charming girl by any standard, and,
with her chestnut-brown hair and niahog-
eyes, and 1.-the. slender figure,
would have attracted attention anywhere
Small wonder, then, that this gracious
young creature soon reigned an uncrowned
queen over MANY loyal and devoted sub,
lects. Now, as she came near TO him, old
Uncle Jim's face relaxed, and his eyes took
On tender expression.
ssT3less her heart,n said he to himsen,
she's the pootiest creetur I've seen in
many n long year. The young feller's
mashed poorly bad on her. WAL, I've been
roung myself, an know how 1t is. kind
J think she can do jest any thing she likes
With him. don't believe thars a man
ivin' tibet could say no to her, let alone do
Ter harmn he dotted his hat, and, with q
:urious timidity, took her little hand, prof
cred a. sho greatod him, In the firm grasp L
4 his oWn large nud rough one Thsn her